How to Create the Look of a Larger Room With Gray

Use a monochromatic color scheme to make a gray room feel expansive.

Gray interior decors have a neutral look, elegant feel and timeless style, which makes them a perfect choice for homeowners who desire a design that stands the test of time. Gray can make a room feel cave-like if not used in appropriate ways. It is, however, possible to make a gray space feel large and expansive by using a monochromatic decorating scheme. The result is a room that feels larger than its measurements indicate.

Monochromatic Decor

Monochromatic decors are based on different values of the same color. Decors without sharp visual contrasts inherently feel larger. Light hues make a room feel expansive, so choose a light gray paint color for the four walls. Choose medium Use a gray upholstered items, such as a couch, ottoman and chairs. Include varieties with tone-on-tone patterns or solids, as large patterns sometimes make a room look smaller. Add dark wood furniture pieces to coordinate with the dark hues in the room. Finish with a few dark gray accessories ranging from decorative pillows to blanket throws.

Decorative Mirrors

Mirrors help reflect available sunlight in the room. They also give a space an added feeling of depth. Hang a large, silver-toned, sunburst mirror on the wall above a couch. Create a mirror wall by displaying a myriad of various-shaped, vintage mirrors on a wall above a fireplace. Place a large, mercury-glass framed mirror on a wall opposite a window with beautiful scenery to reflect the image and give the room additional light and dimension at the same time.

Coordinating Flooring

Incorporate a gray-toned floor to complete the monochromatic design. Choose gray carpet in light shades to complement the light gray walls. Gray can sometimes make a room feel cavernous, so light values are best for making a space feel larger. Alternately, select gray-toned, wood floors with minimal variegation. Place a shag-style area rug under the large furniture grouping to add texture to the entire design.

Multifunctional Furniture

Incorporate multifunctional furniture in dark woods. Create a space that feels larger by keeping furniture to a minimum. To accomplish this, use multifunctional pieces, such as four, gray, leather, cube-shaped storage boxes positioned together for a coffee table and pulled apart to provide additional seating in the room. Add glass-top accent or end tables to amplify the large feeling of the room. Paint a piece of furniture, such as an armoire, the same gray color as the walls to give it minimal visual weight and make it almost disappear for a larger, more spacious look.

About the Author

Based in upstate New York, Amy Mosher has been writing interior design and lifestyle articles since 2005. She is a prolific professional blogger, designer, artist and writer for various websites. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and is a graduate of the Sheffield School of Interior Design.